Vision Statement

Social Studies education in Lincoln Public Schools engages all students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be informed and active citizens, while also contributing to our diverse and interdependent world.

Students in Lincoln Public Schools will

Know

How to become engaged participants in public life

Differences between democratic and nondemocratic political systems

Realities of global interdependence

Rights and responsibilities of citizens of a democracy

Historical and contemporary understandings of basic freedoms and rights

Understand

The human story across time at a local, national and global level

The role culture plays in human and societal development

Interactions between humans and their environment

The historical development of ideas of human rights

How they fit into their community, nation and world

How people organize for the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services

Be able to

Think flexibly about complex issues facing human societies

Apply decision-making and problem-solving skills to real world issues

Analyze causes and consequences of events and decisions

Apply research methods associated with historical and social science inquiry

Evaluate historical accounts made by others

Use historical thinking skills to interpret the past

Examine human thinking and behavior using multiple perspectives

Click here for a PDF version of the social studies vision in Lincoln Public Schools

Overview of Curriculum

K-12 Social Studies curriculum in Lincoln Public Schools covers many content areas, including: community and local history, Nebraska history, United States history, World history, Geography, Civics, Economics, Psychology and Government and Politics. Curriculum is guided by the Nebraska State Standards. For a list of textbooks used with each of our required courses, please see the LPS Curriculum page.*

Elementary School

In elementary school students are exposed to historical thinking through the use of visual images and short texts. In early elementary (K-3), students become familiar with their community, nation, and world. Students begin to explore elements of effective citizenship and study the US Constitution. Students are also introduced to basic economic concepts through the exploration of goods and services in their communities. In upper elementary grades, students study the history of Nebraska and the United States in greater detail.

Middle School

Students continue to build historical habits of mind in middle school. Through close reading primary and secondary sources, students continue to develop an understanding of the human story across time. In grades 6 and 7, students complete a chronological study of world history from the establishment of early farming communities through European encounters with the Americas. Topics at each grade level will be studied within the global context of the time. In grade 8, students continue a chronological study with US History as the focus. Opportunities to explore key economic concepts such as trade are available in middle school.

High School

High School students have the opportunity to continue to develop historical thinking skills through the exploration of a variety of content areas over the course of four years. Freshman level required courses focus on developing citizenship and cultural awareness through the study of civics and geography. Sophomores and juniors conclude the chronological studies of world and US history, respectively. Juniors and seniors experience courses in Economics and Psychology. Seniors conclude their social studies courses with the study of Government and Politics, emphasizing positive contributions to their communities by the completion of community service hours. There are also a number of alternative offerings, such as AP courses, and elective courses at the high school level. Please consult department chairs at individual schools for this information.

*Note: Please see the “Community Resources” tab for more information about about unique programs and opportunities in social studies classes at Lincoln Public Schools.

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Lincoln Public Schools

Lincoln Public Schools is the second largest public school district in Nebraska, located in the heart of the plains, renowned for its long-standing legacy of educational excellence and tradition of rigorous academic achievement. The school district is growing and thriving, serving over 40,000 students in more than 60 schools and programs.

The Lincoln Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, citizenship status or economic status in its programs, activities and employment.